#1 Pecco Bagnaia – Ducati Lenovo
If Bagnaia displayed a never-say-die attitude to claim the 2022 MotoGP title, it was his ability to withstand crushing pressure which resulted in him retaining the crown a year later. A flawless preseason, in which he has displayed unerring calm throughout, plus an improved Ducati underneath him, means he starts the year as favourite to take his third successive premier-class crown.
#5 Johann Zarco – LCR Honda
The double Moto2 world champ deserves credit for ditching a comfy option at Ducati for a seat at LCR Honda, after twice finishing fifth overall in the past three years. His initial impression of the RC213V was positive. Yet getting up to speed over race distance will require some patience. At least Zarco appears much better equipped to deal with developing a slower bike than his short-lived experience at KTM in 2019.
#10 Luca Marini – Repsol Honda
Like Zarco, another to gamble on HRC awakening from its slumber. Marini knew his road to a factory Ducati was blocked by Martin, Bastianini and Bezzecchi – to name but
